Bio    Awards and Accomplishments    Certifications / Education    Affiliations

 Bio

From behind the scenes in network television to the forefront of fitness, Rod Johnson’s name is synonymous with fitness. His body exudes the hard work and dedication of a master.

In the "ATL," Johnson balances his professional interest in fitness along with over ten years experience in broadcast journalism, covering medical, health and fitness news for CNN.

With a "practice what you preach" approach, Johnson exemplifies a true Seal of Fitness in every aspect of his trainer career. He has been shaping the lives of Atlanta residents for more than a decade.

The clients he coaches range from teens to mall-walkers to seasoned athletes. Always offering words of encouragement, Johnson holds firm the belief that there's room for improvement and advancement on every level of fitness. In his personalized training program, Johnson stresses the fundamentals of fitness: nutrition, strength training, core-balance and aerobic conditioning. According to Johnson, these basic components are crucial in accomplishing any exercise-related goal.

Believing knowledge is key; Johnson enjoys educating colleagues and fitness enthusiasts through workshops. When he's not training or teaching, Johnson spends much of his spare time participating in health and wellness events. As a broadcast producer, he has produced countless segments with some of the most notable names in health and fitness, Billy Blanks, ‘Tae Bo’ creator; Tony Little; Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York; Richard Simmons; Deepak Chopra; Bill Phillips, ‘Body for Life;’ Lee Labrada; Bob Greene, ‘Oprah Winfrey’s Trainer;’ Gin Miller, ‘Step Aerobics’ creator; Tamilee Webb, ‘Buns of Steel;’ Jake Steinfeld, ‘Body by Jake;’ Dr. Arthur Agatston, ‘South Beach Diet;’ Gary Heavin, ‘Curves’ founder; former U.S. Secretaries of Health and Human Services Tommy Thompson and Dr. Louis W. Sullivan; and David Satcher, former Surgeon General of the United States.

Johnson was instrumental in producing two successful and popular fitness segments for CNN, entitled Feeling Fit and Fitness Friday. Some of the most well received topics were faith-based fitness, core training, cardio hoop, and urban rebounding. Early-on in his broadcast career, Johnson was a key player in developing and producing the “Better Health Show.” Currently, called Accent Health, is a one-hour magazine show with topics on health and wellness.

Johnson's passion for healthy living has not gone unnoticed. He is an award-winning journalist who’s work has been honored by several prestigious organizations, including: American Academy of Dermatology (AAD); American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS); American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI); Atlanta Association of Black Journalist (AABJ); National Health Information Awards; and the International Health and Medical Media award known as the "Freddie.

Awarded journalistic excellence for Cosmetic Surgery Vacations in 2005, Johnson has a number of award-winning stories to his credit, including Minority Sun, How Safe is your Food, Weight Management, and Trampoline Dangers. He was also part of a team effort in producing television coverage for the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 in New York City. 

Johnson has received accolades in Atlanta Sports and Fitness Magazine, "Eternal Male" calendar, Creative Loafing, Ebony, Upscale, SHAPE, Georgia Games, Workout for Hope, and Australian Body Work. He has been a contributor to Direct Wire Magazine, and CNN.com. Currently, he provides commentary for Labrada Nutrition ‘Lean Body Coaching Club.’

Johnson's expertise has appeared on various health web sites, like WebMD and Dietwatch.com. He has also been featured on CNN, Atlanta's local ABC affiliate WSB-TV, PBS, Fox5 Atlanta, and the Bev Smith Show. He works closely with several organizations, including YogaFit, American Heart Association, and Georgia Junior Achievement. Johnson, a former Georgia Governor's Commission on Physical Fitness and Sports, Advisory Board Member, holds a number of fitness-related certifications. He’s a member with the Aerobics & Fitness Association of America (AFAA); International Fitness Professional of America (IFPA); BodyPump; and Keiser Group Indoor Cycling.

In 2000, Johnson was voted a runner-up to the Fittest Male in Atlanta by Atlanta Sports and Fitness Magazine. When it comes to fitness, Johnson embodies the true essence of mind, body and soul.

Rod Johnson is a Fitness Consultant, Wellness Coach, Personal Fitness Trainer, Group Fitness Instructor, Broadcast and Print Journalist.

Johnson is also a graduate of Georgia State University, and a native of Daytona Beach, Florida.